A vision for West Boulevard

Sustain Charlotte partners with the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition to support safe vision for transportation choices along the corridor. The City’s Planning Department hosted their last West Boulevard Corridor Vision workshop on Thursday, February 7th. At this third and final workshop, staff and consultants shared the results of a six-month market study report and implementation recommendations.

What is a Market Study?

The City hired WTL+a, a national consulting firm, to analyze economic opportunities that will enhance the vitality of the West Boulevard Corridor.

During the October and November workshops, the City and WTL+a worked with the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition to identify opportunities for investment and envision future change. Even though the consultants are still compiling the final report, they shared a few preliminary implementation strategies during February's final presentation.

Near-Term and Long-Term Implementation

For near-term implementation to improve corridor economic vitality, the consultants recomended the establishment of a nonprofit community land trust to help the community balance home affordability and encroaching economic pressure.

They also recommended the addition of a community-based and operated food cooperative to fill a critical lack of food distribution. The West Boulevard Corridor is a food desert with the nearest full-service grocery store being miles away. You can read more about Charlotte’s food deserts in this Charlotte Observer article.

The WBNC is also working to make their dream of the Three Sisters Market a reality, too. Stay tuned to their social media for details when they become available.

WTL+a recommended paying for a land trust and food cooperative through federal funding programs and a mix of public and private partnerships.

Long-term recommendations included improving pedestrian safety, focusing commercial development on Remount and Clanton roads, and coordinating with CATS for increased transit opportunities.

Over the next several weeks, City staff will summarize community feedback and the market study report the WTL+a are currently preparing, and finalize strategies for the corridor to deliver a report to the community in March 2019.

Sustain Charlotte’s work in the West Boulevard is funded through both Aetna and Wells Fargo.